Fire Inside Me

by J. Hali Steele

  “Watch your mouth, son. Someone tried to hurt you.”

  “Forgive me for calling the creeps who tried to beat me up a bad name. I’m going to phone the cops.”

  “For crying out loud, Em. And say what?” Rusty paced. “Do you really envision law enforcement rushing to our aid when we don’t even know who those men were? You don’t know if it was someone’s boyfriend or, Christ, a husband who’s angry. You could have been killed.”

  “Do you hear yourself, Russell?”

  “You want to open your life up like that?”

  “Open up my life? Coatesville has about twelve thousand people, a quarter of them know I like fucking men. West Chester isn’t much bigger.” Emory was pissed. “I get my ass kicked and I’m to do nothing?”

  “You’re going away for a while.” Mr. Welton looked at Sage. “A few months out west.”

  “You and mom don’t have enough to subsidize such a trip. Russ’s financial help has to end sooner or later.”

  “Sage is going to let you stay with him.”

  Emory scrutinized Sage. Russ’s friend wore jeans and a plain tee again. Not the way a man who had anything dressed. Didn’t want to end up on the west coast in a position no different from the one he was in.

  Employed as a bookkeeper by a ritzy boutique in Exton every summer, Emory figured to continue there for a year after graduation, save all he could then make his move. He took his dad’s hand. “You and mom worked hard to get me in college. Russ and Maddy gave up so much. We’re not going to let those motherfucking sons of bitches run me off. I’ve got less than a semester left.”

  “Jeez, Em, the language. You’ll transfer credits and finish. We’ll help.” Russ pegged Sage with a look. “You and your PI buddies better keep him safe.”

  Before exiting, Emory, face contorted, leaned close. “My family trusts you but I never will.”

  In order to remove Emory from Farrington’s reach, Sage had suggested they use his home. They all concluded an angry husband or boyfriend sought to harm Emory and he did nothing to sway their belief nor their certainty the men would likely continue seeking retribution. Situation could be handled better from home turf where he had his own connections. Syl consented to use of his jet so their movement couldn’t be easily traced. Disembark in Las Vegas and drive from there to California. If Farrington had tentacles far reaching enough to find Syl, he’d find another willing association especially if his son continued to stalk Emory, thereby undermining his father’s bid for office.

  How in hell would Sage stop Syl from tagging someone else with the assignment after two weeks elapsed?

  One thing at a time.

  Spent hours digging into the soon to be governor’s past. If there was something, Sage vowed to discover it. He come at Emory again, Sage would personally kill the son of a bitch. Every time he regarded Emory’s bruised face, blood boiled. All that hindered him from finding the two bastards was the fact disposing of bodies would take more time than he was willing to devote.

  Pressing concern was controlling Emory. His antagonism and distrust could cause the whole affair to blow up in Sage’s face. Gaining his confidence was vital to what needed to be achieved in his allotted time frame. Sage’s most direct problem—hands off Emory. Lord knows, that was not going to be easily accomplished as Sage now understood he’d do anything to get Emory in his bed. Bold, unwavering, what if Emory… No, that magical ingredient seldom thrived in small, feminine men Sage relished.

  More often than not, Sage paid for what he craved.

  Craw Engineering was located in Las Vegas. Sage also planned to use the house he owned instead of staying in a hotel. He’d explain it away somehow.

  Emory had not spoken a single word since leaving his parent’s. Tenacity and indifference in someone outwardly presenting such carefree and fun-loving attitude concerned Sage. It was a survival mechanism he knew well. Brought to mind what Rusty had said. He reminds me of you. Believing Rusty, Sage had his work cut out for him. He cared to know more about Emory.

  Waiting for his car, Sage decided to start with honesty. “You are a sexy piece of ass and you know it. As far as using you, that’s not exactly how it would be.”

  “Cut the cryptic bullshit.” Blue eyes finally aimed his way. “How did you afford a private jet?”

  “A friend.” Syl would laugh long and hard at being referred to as friend. “I do have them.” A sinking feeling swamped Sage. He had three counting Rusty and their relationship teetered due to Sage’s inability to reach out over the years. Vick, his assistant and manager at Craw constantly said he was like a brother. Did Wiley count? “I’ve also worked hard and managed to save money which I’m not averse to using when I have needs.”

  “Your shabby wardrobe is contradictory.” Leaning against the pole, he mumbled. “Cologne smells good.”

  “Dior Sauvage. Stunned you like something about me.”

  “You concluded that from cologne smells good?” Nasty grin shifted his lips. “Astonishes me you know the name of a decent scent.”

  “I liked you better silent.” Damn it. Sage observed blue eyes shutter as the car arrived. “This is us.”

  “Let me guess. Friend tolerates use of his luxury car. You’ve got a big dick or, wait, you give good head.”

  He’d had enough. “Stop being a disrespectful asshole.” He didn’t lie about the car. Neither did he correct Emory’s false assumption.

  “Fuck you. I’m not your child.”

  “Lucky for you. Considering your rude vocabulary, I’d put your sweet ass over my knee.”

  “You can kiss my… Let’s leave already.” He yanked the back door open, climbed in and growled, “Take care of my luggage.”

  “Motherfucker!” Sage seethed as he moved toward their bags.

  He traveled light only carrying what was required for a job. It surprised him Emory had one suitcase and a travel bag. Had seen him in nice pieces but evidently there weren’t many. Clearly, he suffered clothing woes. Assisted by the driver, he deposited cases in the trunk.

  Reaching the house, Emory mutely followed but once inside, “Can’t wait to meet your rich friend.”

  “Money’s not everything.”

  “What street corner would you be on without him funding your ass?”

  Sage ignored his snide remark. “I use the front room. There are two more down the hall each with private bath. Choose one.”

  “Large for one person.”

  “Can never have too much space.”

  “Especially with friends like yours.” Snatching belongings, Emory passed the first room taking the one furthest from Sage.

  Exhausted, Sage entered his bedroom and deposited his duffle on the bed. Unpacked his tablet and placed it on the nightstand. He traveled the hall and found Emory sitting on the bed staring out a window. “Driver’s waiting. Make yourself at home. Kitchen is opposite side of the house. Emory, don’t contact anyone but family and use the landline. Cell phones are easily traceable which is why I had you turn it off before we boarded. For now, leave it off.”

  “Fine.”

  “I want your word.”

  “Okay. God, you’re such a jerk. Am I to be locked in?”

  Refraining from informing Emory he’d be watched, Sage struggled not to utter a nasty remark. “I won’t be long and I’d prefer acquainting you with the neighborhood.”

  “Whatever.”

  Sage’s next stop, Craw Engineering to check in with his manager. Entered the premises and stopped dead in his tracks. “Unfuckingbelievable.” His benefactor, sporting more salt than pepper in his dark hair then when he last visited, browsed a magazine. “What are you doing here?”

  “I was in the states. Syl asked me to check in on you.”

  “And if I hadn’t dropped in, Wiley?”

  “I know your address in town, Sage.” Head cocked, he declared, “Remember, I’ve even been to the citadel. Or should I say sanctuary?”

&nbs
p; Shit just got real.

  Friend had good taste and desiring to know more, Em went to check the front bedroom. “Fucker.” Wasn’t locked in but access to the room had been prohibited. “Not even your house.” Stealing a glance out the front window, saw a man bigger than Sage lounging beneath a tree outside a wrought iron gate. “Bastard.” Christ, he’d soon run out of foul names to call the prick. “I may as well be locked in.” Hell, far as he knew it could be Sage’s mysterious friend and he might pop in at any moment. Unlikely. Owner surely wouldn’t stay outside. Hurrying across the living room, he located the kitchen.

  Opened French doors and stepped outside to find property enclosed by a tall wooden fence. No gate. “Someone cherishes privacy.” Forgetting his sentinel, picturesque garden and a sparkling pool with a fountain feeding one end added to serenity Emory instantaneously felt gawking at the yard. “Lord, this is exquisite.” Aside from the sound of water, a refreshing breeze and solitude reined. Em didn’t want to move until his stomach audibly growled. “Shit.”

  Fully stocked fridge made Emory’s lunch decision easy. Spying basic ingredients, he opted on ham and cheese with mayo, lettuce and tomato. A half loaf sized baguette set in a basket on the counter surrounded by a couple bagels and two sourdough rolls which were a favorite for sandwiches. “Fresh.” Okay, definitely couldn’t wait to meet friend. “Perfect car, perfect house, a perfect fucker.” Em already didn’t like him. “I screw your ass, you’ll give me keys to your perfect fucking castle.” Jesus, what is wrong with me! Could care less who Sage bedded. Snatching both rolls, he fished out a plate, grabbed a knife and threw sandwiches together. Everything back in order, wiped the counter before adding an apple and a bottle of lager. Shit, Yuengling. Same brand his brother provided… Jesus Christ, the man even kept Sage’s beer on hand. Emory marched out to sit at the small table he’d seen in the middle of the garden.

  Sun rose over the spot after his first sandwich forcing him to relocate his picnic to the one lounger in a shaded area near the pool. A few more bites, he placed leftover goodies beside the seat, laid back and promptly fell asleep.

  Noise made by the plate striking tile woke him. Afraid to move too much, Em looked down to see the tiniest colorful kitten completely on the dish attempting to steal ham from his uneaten sandwich. “Oh, poor baby.” Slowly reaching, he grabbed the cat by its scruff. It fit in his palm. The animal squirmed and hissed while Emory retrieved a piece of meat and held it to the creature’s mouth. Momentarily calm, it snatched the treat and practically swallowed it whole. Eyes caught between blue and green stared at Em before it emitted a loud yowl. “More? You can’t be older than a couple weeks.” Scrawny and hungry, little beast looked as if it were starving. Thankfully, it’s weakened condition and it’s need for food stopped the animal from fighting. “Goddamn fence trapped you inside.”

  Now he really disliked friend.

  Chapter Four

  S

  coured his office before traveling to the front. “Where’s Vick?”

  “For God’s sake, Sage, I’m not a monster. Well, maybe I am but it’s lunchtime. I offered to guard the fort.” Goodwill faded. “I’m disappointed any other idea breached your mind. I’m not your enemy.”

  “Syl had me checked out. I don’t know what to expect. Son of a bitch asked me to do a face to face.”

  “Interesting.”

  “He’s getting soft.”

  “Sage, I wish that were… Look, he delves into everyone’s life. If you learned anything from me, I’d bet my savings you discovered his whips and chains and clamps and… I digress. His other women.”

  “Things have been kind of off kilter.”

  “Have you been intimate with this youngster?”

  “How’d you know… It’s not like that.”

  “I see.”

  “You see what, Wiley?” Sage paced. “Shortly after we met, I told you about the family that practically raised me.”

  “Yes.”

  “He’s their son and, fuck’s sake, his crime is being gay, Wiley. I mean, he’s beautiful and sexy and he deserves a wonderful life but some filthy rich, puffed up, bigoted asshole doesn’t like that his kid likes my mark.” Diarrhea of the mouth persisted. “If I thought I had half the chance I’d show him that boy is nothing compared to… Christ, that’s not what I meant to say. This young man would run so far away if he knew what I was. It’s…shit, it’s a fucking mess.”

  “I see.”

  Out of breath, Sage managed, “It’s bullshit.”

  “I agree.”

  “And he’s the brother of the only friend… Wait. You agree?”

  “I’ve always been your friend, Sage.”

  “Meaning?” If Wiley agreed perhaps circumstances weren’t beyond repair. During time knowing him, his benefactor had pulled off at least one amazing achievement.

  “Keep your mark for a while longer. Show him the side of you I met when you arrived at the gun shop.”

  “Withdrawn. Confused. Scared. Yeah, that’ll win him over.”

  “Sage, you used to have a sense of humor. Granted, it was dry and in need of hydration but, damn, this is unlike you.”

  “What the fuck does that mean, Wiley? You don’t know what I’ve been through. I mean, this kid, he’s, he’s a family friend. Knew I should not have considered a contract anywhere near that city. It’s never been anything but miserable for me. Christ, there’s something about him, he’s…he’s special.”

  “I’m beginning to understand Syl. You’re babbling like a brook. Keep this up you’ll give our profession a bad reputation. You have a dilemma but it is salvageable. You, my friend, are a mess.”

  “Screw you, Wiley.”

  “If I played in that sandbox, I’d give you a crack at my cute ass.”

  “Eww.”

  “Eww? Fuck you. I’ve been told I have a nice butt.”

  “This shit is too hard.” Sage sank into a chair. “Why do we do it?”

  Tapping his knee, gray eyes clouded. “The way I prefer to look at my service is I empty humanity’s garbage. Is it wrong? Absolutely. But I, fortunately, see the world as it really is. Will I be judged? If not caught in this life, the next, if there is one, will punish me harshly.” Heel of a very expensive shoe began to keep time with overactive fingers. “I give it very little space in my head as I don’t believe in Heaven or Hell. In either case, I won’t feel goddamn worms, beetles, coffin flies or whatever chewing on my ass after I’m gone.” He ran a hand through beautifully styled hair. “You, my friend, will fair no better.”

  “Damn, that’s morose but, fuck, you’re right.” Sage rested his head. “Wish I could see everything else clearly.”

  “You’re not looking.” Wiley stood. His chest rose and fell. “I didn’t see it and now it’s too late. Thought I was old, didn’t believe myself worthy. I relocated to another continent so I’m not reminded I was a jackass. Guess what that accomplished, Sage? I’m a lonely jackass. I hope it’s a condition I’m able to remedy.”

  Vick picked that moment to whirl through the door. “Wiley, I’m sorry. Oh, didn’t know you’d arrived, Sage. I got stuck, I mean I saw this outfit in a window and, shoot, I went shopping.” Placing packages beside the desk, Vick glanced at Sage. “Did you see the fresh bread I left this morning?” Returning attention to Wiley, “Any calls I need to handle?”

  “Slow down, Vick.” Wiley’s eyes lit, face softened. Lips lifted suggestively belied a stone-cold killer. “Two. I wrote thorough notes.”

  Victoria Towels was not Vick’s real name.

  Five years ago, fresh from college brimming with innocence and excited to start her new life in a big city as an CPA, Vick hadn’t expected to be coerced into hiding money and lying. When she began to refuse, living was no longer an option.

  Wiley got the call.

  Vick was a phenomenon. The only mark Wiley let slip through his fingers.

  Changed her life and, damn, it had chang
ed Wiley, one of the coldest and deadliest motherfuckers Sage knew. He saved Vick’s life a second time by eliminating the next contractor dispatched. It all ended when he silenced the man who wanted her out the way, a man who mistakenly stepped in Wiley’s path twice. Vick helped finish it by stealing ledgers she had access to and giving them to Wiley who made sure the vendetta against Vick ended.

  Members of the nation’s largest union were appreciative.

  No one else came for her.

  Vick was twenty-eight now and it’d take a real long time to dig up enough to piece together who she had worked for or a true identity. Wiley saved her life and she was more loyal than anyone he or Sage worked with. Being alive and having a second chance produced that effect sometimes. Sage long ago grasped not many instances like that would enter their lives. He observed Wiley smile as Vick displayed the dress she’d bought. Endearingly brushed blonde strands away from her pretty face. Holding the box as she refolded a flimsy…

  Fucking. God! It’s Vick. Wiley talked about Vick when he said he didn’t see it and missed his opportunity.

  Observing Wiley, Sage reminisced. They were friends and he had noticed a difference each time they met after Vick entered the scene. Didn’t gather the reason but Sage had witnessed Wiley slip into a quagmire of uncertainty, listened as he questioned how he lived. The night he drunkenly invaded Sage’s Topanga home, he had no idea what turmoil pervaded his friend’s heart and soul. Now he sympathized.

  Wiley had a thing for Vick. Gentleness, caring, love, blazed from previously storm-ridden eyes as he gazed at her. Happy for them, Sage’s heart ached.

  They wouldn’t miss Sage. Seated in the car, chest deflated. I see it now. Rusty, the whole family would probably hate him for a very long time, if not forever.

  Emory. Sage thought of nothing but winning him over, making him… “Mine.”

  Emory placed the bundle of fur on the bed after tedious minutes of spoon feeding it milk. He went in search of a box to hide kitty. Found one in the cleanest, most organized garage he’d ever seen. “Okay, immaculate. Every goddamn inch faultless. Sage’s friend is Detective Monk.” He raced back to the bedroom to find kitty curled into a tiny ball sound asleep. “Shoot.” The pillow had become a potty. A wet spot near one corner and a smelly mess dead center. “I’d love to put your gift on his bed.”